Xeropotamou Holy Monastery - Mount Athos
After a 45-minute hike from Dafni, the largest harbor on Mount Athos, visitors can reach the serene and verdant landscape of the Holy Monastery of Xeropotamou, located just 200 meters from the tranquil sea.
This remarkable monastic complex is nestled between the revered monasteries of Simonpetra and Agios Panteleimon, on the very grounds where the ancient Greek city of Charadria once thrived.
The name "Xeropotamos" has its origins in a nearby dry river that rushes with fervor during winter.
Founded in the mid-10th century, during the same era as the renowned Monastery of Great Lavra, the Holy Monastery of Xeropotamou holds the distinction of being one of the most ancient monastic establishments, not only within Mount Athos but also across Greece.
The monastery celebrates its patronal feast on March 9 in memory of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste and holds the 8th position in the hierarchical order of the 20 monasteries of Mount Athos.
Since 1981, it has operated under the coenobitic system, presided over by the Sigil of Ecumenical Patriarch Demetrios.
Today, the monastery is under the spiritual guidance of Archimandrite Geron Joseph.
The official establishment of the Holy Monastery of Xeropotamou dates back to the mid-10th century, as it is first documented in a record from 956 AD, during the reign of Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus.
Nevertheless, an unverified oral tradition places its foundation much earlier, in the 5th century, when Byzantine emperors Marcian and his wife Pulcheria are said to have established a monastery at the site of the present-day complex, being recognized as its initial founders.
Nonetheless, the prevailing account attributes the founding of the Monastery of Xeropotamou to the monk Paul of Xeropotamou, a contemporary of Saint Athanasios the Athonite, who founded the Monastery of Great Lavra.
Originally named "Holy Monastery of Saint Nikephoros," the monastery underwent significant growth and prosperity until the 13th century.
However, it later encountered numerous financial hardships due to pirate raids and the devastating fire of 1280.
The reconstruction of the monastery was funded by Andronikos II Palaiologos, often regarded as its new benefactor. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the rulers of Serbia provided substantial financial support to fortify the monastery.
During the period of Turkish rule, in 1507, yet another catastrophic fire caused immeasurable damage.
The construction of the monastery is traditionally attributed to Sultan Selim I, based on a document known as the Hatt-i Serif, although some researchers question its authenticity.
It is more likely that the restoration was made possible through generous contributions from Alexandru Mircea, the ruler of Hungary-Wallachia, Jeremiah Movilia, and the affluent Naxian Mister Theophilus.
Additional fires occurred in 1953 and 1972, but the Greek State stepped in to assist in the restoration efforts.
Today, the Holy Monastery of Xeropotamou thrives with vitality, and its architectural grandeur continues to captivate observers.
The monastery's location on unstable ground and its recurrent exposure to fire-related damage have significantly affected its buildings.
For example, the Katholikon, which serves as the central chapel of the monastery, has undergone multiple reconstructions throughout the centuries.
Its current construction, initiated in 1761 and completed in 1763, can be credited to the erudite monk, Caesarius Daponte.
He raised the necessary funds by embarking on a journey through the Danubian countries.
The Katholikon is dedicated to the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste and boasts frescoes dating back to 1783.
These intricate artworks were meticulously crafted by Constantine, Athanasius, and Naum, who originated from the town of Korytsa in Northern Epirus. Notably, some of these frescoes vividly depict the entire Book of Revelation of John.
Such prophetic depictions are not unique to Xeropotamos; they can be found in other monasteries on Mount Athos as well.
These Athonite representations have firmly established the Apocalypse as a prominent theme in Orthodox painting.
Another remarkable piece of artistry within the monastery is the wood-carved gilded iconostasis, which adds to the monastery's artistic and spiritual significance.
Moving to the Refectory, it was constructed in the 19th century under the patronage of Alexander.
The Refectory is adorned with frescoes by Sophronios and Nikephoros, both of whom were monks of the Skete of St. Anne. Its floor plan follows a distinctive T-shape design.
Adjacent to the Katholikon is the octagonal holy water font, Phiale, constructed around 1783 during the period of the monk Daponte. Crafted from Chian red marble, this font stands as a testament to the monastery's enduring history.
In total, the Holy Monastery of Xeropotamou comprises 16 chapels. Among these, two are integrated into the Katholikon and are adorned with frescoes.
One chapel is dedicated to the Holy Archangels, while the other pays homage to Constantine and Helen.
Despite enduring multiple instances of destruction, the Holy Monastery of Xeromotamos has preserved a rich collection of relics within its sacristy.
These treasures include Episcopal staffs, intricately embroidered vestments, sacred vessels, and more. However, undoubtedly the most revered gem of Orthodoxy housed here is a fragment of the Holy Cross.
It stands as the largest extant piece of this sacred wood on Mount Athos and indeed in the world. Remarkably, pilgrims can even catch a glimpse of a hole, bearing testament to the very nail that crucified Christ.
Adding to the splendor, a noteworthy relic of profound artistic significance graces the monastery – the renowned 14th-century steatite stone disc, affectionately known as the "Phiale of Pulcheria."
Within the reliquaries of Xeromotamos Monastery rest the Holy Relics of 61 saints, among them the venerated Forty Martyrs, Saint Basil, and the reliquaries of the New Martyrs Afxentios and Nicholaos of Karpenissi, alongside many others.
Unlike many other monasteries on Mount Athos, the Holy Monastery of Xeropotamou does not house its icon collection in a separate wing. Instead, all the monastery's icons are carefully preserved within the Katholikon and its various chapels.
Among these sacred works of art, you will find approximately 200 portable icons, some of which are particularly noteworthy.
One such gem is the 15th-century icon depicting the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, gracefully displayed in the right sanctuary. Another remarkable treasure within the monastery is the miraculous icon of the Forty Holy Martyrs.
Despite enduring multiple instances of destruction over the years, the monastery's library remains a repository of significant historical value.
It is situated above the narthex of the Katholikon and houses a substantial collection of manuscripts and other literary works.
Currently, the library's manuscript collection numbers 558, comprising 22 parchment manuscripts and 536 paper ones, some dating back as far as the 10th century.
The printed book collection of the Monastery of Xeropotamou is vast, boasting approximately 6000 volumes.
The earliest identified Greek edition dates back to 1495, as documented by Thomas Papadopoulos in 'Libraries of Mount Athos.
Xeropotamou Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Mount Athos, produces a rich variety of monastic products, made with traditional methods and pure materials.
The Monastery's products include:
Honey, which is produced from its own hives and is known for its excellent quality and taste.
Sweets, such as pasteli, loukoumi, and kourampiedes, made with pure materials and traditional recipes.
Olive oil, which is produced from its own olives and is rich in nutrients.
The monastic products of Xeropotamou Monastery are an excellent choice for those seeking quality products with natural raw materials.
Some of the most popular products of Xeropotamou Monastery are:
Honey of Xeropotamou Monastery is one of the most famous and sought-after monastic products in the world. Produced from its own hives,
which are located in one of the most wild and virgin forests of Mount Athos.
The honey of Xeropotamou Monastery is known for its excellent quality, taste, and beneficial properties for health.
The sweets of Xeropotamou Monastery are made with pure ingredients and traditional recipes.
The paste from the Monastery is particularly known for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
The olive oil of Xeropotamou Monastery is rich in nutrients and has excellent taste.
Produced from its own olives, which are cultivated in an ecological environment.
